When I lived in Baton Rouge it was common knowledge that the best Boudin Sausage could be found at a roadside gas station on Airline Highway between the capital city and New Orleans. Last year in Kansas City I had the best “burnt ends” at Joe’s. Joe’s is a working gas station where the line for BBQ is an hour long most afternoons. It should have been no surprise that the best Fried Chicken in Kettering can be found at Town and Country Shell Gas Station on the corner of Far Hills and Stroop Road.
For months, I have kept this little bit of information to myself. Great fried chicken and potato wedges that surpass everyday fast food offerings. Krispy Krunchy Chicken also serves up great wings, fried fish and cajun season fried shrimp. I casually mentioned that this fried food haven was now filling growlers with local beers to the Food Adventures Crew and my secret was out.
I unofficially joined the Food Adventures Crew this week and hosted them at my favorite gas station. Hungry Jax, Chef House and the Big Ragu joined me for lunch and we enjoyed ourselves immensely. Ragu had the wings, both the bbq and buffalo, as well as the traditional breaded whole wings. Chef House was the most cautious, but with the help of her Housemade Thai Spiced Hot Honey she was quickly on board with the fried chicken fingers. Hungry Jax brought the kids and they approved of the chicken fingers and Mac & Cheese. I stuck to the Cajun fried chicken. We arrived at the end of the lunch hour and the fries were in short supply, so I opted for a side of Jambalaya.
The chicken was cooked perfectly. Crispy flavorful coating and moist and slightly spicy chicken underneath. As a former Louisiana resident I can say the Jambalaya, sausage and chicken, was as authentic as I have found anywhere in Ohio. Two forks up for the spicy rice dish served inside a gas station.
The highlight of the lunch came in two parts. Chef House brought an empty 1/2 growler and
filled up with Warped Wing’s Gamma Bomb for only $8.00. Gamma Bomb is their American IPA and it really worked with spicy chicken. At 92 IBU it was a bit hoppier than I like but fit the bill for a lunch hour drink. The second surprise was the complimentary honey cheddar biscuit that comes with every order. The Big Ragu was a happy camper when he found the biscuit in his bag atop the wings. The biscuit is sweet and savory all in one buttery bite. This biscuit is almost a sweet dessert after the spicy chicken.
filled up with Warped Wing’s Gamma Bomb for only $8.00. Gamma Bomb is their American IPA and it really worked with spicy chicken. At 92 IBU it was a bit hoppier than I like but fit the bill for a lunch hour drink. The second surprise was the complimentary honey cheddar biscuit that comes with every order. The Big Ragu was a happy camper when he found the biscuit in his bag atop the wings. The biscuit is sweet and savory all in one buttery bite. This biscuit is almost a sweet dessert after the spicy chicken.
A two piece lunch with a side, biscuit, and fountain drink runs about $7.50. Fish and shrimp options can be a little pricier. Family packs and lunch portions are both available. There are only a half dozen seats in the station, but this food is perfect to grab for home or work when in a hurry. With 16 beers on tap and their own growlers for sale it is easy to find a beer to accompany lunch or dinner. You will find Dayton area favorites like Warped Wing, Toxic Brew and Yellow Springs Brewery as well as Rhinegeist, Mad Tree and my personal favorite, Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale, on tap for a glass, sampler flight or a growler to go.
If you find yourself south of town at lunch or in need of a quick grab to take home to the family, keep Town and Country Shell Station in mind. Sometimes the most unlikely of spots offer exactly what you are looking for. Order an extra biscuit. You’ll thank me later.
